Healthcare Workers’ Perceptions of the Role of Respite vs. Rehabilitation in Hospital Discharge Planning for Older Adults

Abstract Background Discharge planning for older adults often involves decisions about referring patients to rehabilitation or respite care. Clarity around the purpose, and expected benefits of each service is essential to support effective transitions of care. Methods The objective of this study was to explore healthcare workers’ understanding and experience of respite and rehabilitation. A cross-sectional online survey was completed by multidisciplinary staff working in an Irish hospital. The questionnaire assessed understanding and purpose of rehabilitation and respite, and views on whether patients are expected to optimise functioning. Results Among 47 respondents, 90% of respondents reported understanding the difference between rehabilitation and respite care. Most healthcare workers (87%) agreed that older adults are expected to optimise functioning during rehabilitation. 5% expected function to be optimised in respite care. 57.6% reported the purpose of respite care was to provide informal carers with a break from their caregiving duties to avoid carer burnout, 13.6% reported purpose was to expedite hospital discharge and 3% reported the purpose was to promote independence. Conclusion The majority of healthcare worker's reported understanding the difference between the rehabilitation and respite care. However, there is variation in the purpose identified for respite care. Education regarding the utility of each service may improve discharge planning and service utilisation.